CUBS CHANGES COME QUICKLY

That didn’t take long. Lou Piniella is switching back to Alfonso Soriano at the top of the lineup after a grand total of 2 games.

Part of me says this is just how Lou is. After all, he did use 125 different lineups last year. And maybe he’s just trying to get his big bat going. But another part of me says that it shows lack of conviction, and that Lou might have lost a little cred in the clubhouse with such a quick readjustment.

He also said he’s trying to protect Soriano’s legs, but if they didn’t heal during an entire offseason, I can’t believe they’ve gotten better after 2 games.

And let’s talk about that too. Part of the great allure of Soriano was his ability to steal bases. If he can’t do that, we’re left with a leadoff hitter that doesn’t get on-base enough and doesn’t steal very many bags. He can hit for power, but obviously it’s underutilized if he has another year like last year when he hit 33 homers but drove in only 70 runs. I’d rather do something else with $18 million a year.

Point is this: he shouldn’t be batting first or second. He should be hitting 4th or 5th.

But here is the counter point. Soriano has a history of batting very well in the lead off spot and his numbers show that. He just likes leading off and maybe that’s because he doesn’t like hitting with men on base. Who knows?

The switch seems to have helped the lineup today at least.

Just want to ask, though, is your perception of Soto’s defense still the same after this first series?

http://zonersports.com The Zoner

Everyone knows the counterpoint, but that doesn’t mean he is any less underutilized.

As for Geo, I think he’s a rookie and like all rookies will have some ups and downs. But my perception was based on fact–he initially was considered a defensive catcher with an above-average arm. Let’s see how he does the 1st quarter of the season, but obviously he had a bad series against the Brew.